Post-Traumatic Amnesia

 

POST-TRAUMATIC AMNESIA (PTA) is a state of confusion that occurs immediately following a traumatic brain-injury (TBI) in which the injured person is disoriented and unable to remember events that occur after the injury. The person may be unable to state their name, where they are, or what time it is. In the book, Atomic Habits, James Clear describes a day when he himself had a traumatic brain injury at school, which gives us a clear description of how a person suffering from post-traumatic amnesia behaves. 

SYMPTOMS

• Memory Loss: As a result, the patients are unable to register what happened, and they are unaware of their condition and go about as though they are living regular lives.
• Agitation: Since the patients have no idea about their condition, they feel confined to the hospital and behave as though they are being restricted from living their normal lives.
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Restlessness

Patients may also display a series of behavioral disturbances. They may shout, swear and behave in a disinhibited fashion. There have been cases in which patients who do not recognize anyone will ask for family members or acquaintances that they have not seen in years. Some patients exhibit childlike behavior. Other patients show uncharacteristically quiet, friendly and loving behavior. Although this behavior may seem less threatening because of its lack of aggressiveness, it may be equally worrisome.

Research on the effect of emotional trauma on memory retention and amnesic symptoms has shown that exposure to prolonged levels of extreme stress has a direct effect on the hippocampus. Elevated stress levels can lead to an increase in the production of enkephalins and corticosteroids, which can produce abnormal neural activity and disrupt long-term potentiation (a neural mechanism associated with learning) in the hippocampus.

Individuals who have been subjected to repeated sexual abuse during childhood or who have experienced combat show significant impairment and atrophy of the hippocampal region of the brain.

All these symptoms and causes may sound frightening but there is no need for you to get worried. Worry won't help, it simply creates more mental diseases. We don't want that, right? So here are a few preventive and curing methods for PTA:

Preventive Methods

• Safety measures: Minimize the risk of head injuries by using appropriate safety gear during activities such as sports, driving, or working in hazardous environments.
• Education: Raise awareness about the dangers of head injuries and the importance of taking precautions to prevent them.
• Proper medical care: Promptly treat any head injuries or concussions to prevent them from worsening and potentially leading to PTA.

Curing Methods

• Medical Treatment: Address the underlying cause of the traumatic brain injury and provide appropriate medical interventions to promote healing and recovery.
• Rehabilitation Therapy: Engage in cognitive rehabilitation programs designed to improve memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and other cognitive functions affected by PTA.
• Physical Therapy: Work with physical therapists to regain strength, balance, coordination, and mobility that may have been affected by the injury.
• Occupational Therapy: Learn strategies to adapt to any functional limitations resulting from PTA and regain independence in activities of daily living.
• Speech Therapy: If speech or language abilities are affected by PTA, speech therapists can help improve communication skills and address any swallowing difficulties.
• Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, or depression associated with PTA.
• Psychological Support: Provide emotional support and counseling to help individuals cope with the psychological impact of PTA and adjust to any changes in their abilities or lifestyle.
• Family and Social Support: Involve family members and friends in the rehabilitation process to provide encouragement, assistance, and a supportive environment for recovery.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on the severity of the traumatic brain injury, individual factors, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals from various disciplines is often necessary to optimize outcomes for individuals with post-traumatic amnesia.